Chris Stokes Q&A – Edinburgh Fringe 2016

It’s the world’s largest arts festival and because I really enjoy myself every time I do a show at the Fringe. Not only that, but there’s also something exciting about getting to unveil the show you’ve been working on since the previous Fringe. It’s the end of our year, like an Artists’ Christmas.

What have been the nuggets of inspiration behind your show this year?

Last year’s show was very introspective as it focused on a divorce and a meltdown, so I definitely wanted to do something that looked outwards a bit more so I looked around and noticed how many times we have to say, “You’re welcome,” to somebody who didn’t thank us for holding a door open for them. It’s a lot, isn’t it?

Stand-out Fringe moment to date?

It was either performing at The Big C Gala at the EICC a couple of years ago, or last year when one night, with no particular reason, I decided that, before my show, I would peek from behind the curtain at the audience for the first time ever… And saw my all-time favourite comedian sitting in the crowd.

When you wished a hole had opened up in the ground and swallowed you up?

A late-night gig that lasted 4 or so hours ended up, somehow, with me and 2 other comics naked on stage. See, there can be a time and a place for that, but that was neither.

Your unsung heroes in the industry at current?

David Longley, Michael J Dolan and Lou Sanders.

Three shows you must see this Fringe?

The three from my previous answer are all at the Fringe, but also do go and see Will Duggan, Kiri Pritchard-McLean and A Common Man: The Bridge That Tom Built.

The one person you’d love to see your show and why?

I hear Louis CK’s knocking about for a bit, so if he fancied coming then I’d probably give let him in at concession price.

The reason why one should come and see your show?

It might be the only show on the Fringe to contain the phrase ‘dog racists’. Unless someone reads this and incorporates it into their show.

The one thing in Edinburgh you must do?

Let’s take Arthur’s Seat and the Potato Shop as read. After you’ve done those, do the whisky tour on the Royal Mile. It’s a bit touristy but it really is nice whisky. If you don’t like whisky, stick with your potato.

Ah sorry, you’re dead. But least you can have that dinner party you’ve always wanted. Who are you inviting?

Peter Cook, John Keats and I guess I’ll have to wait for Roddy Woomble to die so he can come too.